Day 1: Cadaqués and Cap de Creus

Begin your Costa Brava journey in Cadaqués, a village that encapsulates the region’s traditional charm. Start the morning with an excursion to Cap de Creus, accessible by bus from the village center to the lighthouse. Here, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the rugged coastline. Cap de Creus is perfect for hiking or taking leisurely walks to discover its beautiful coves.

After exploring, spend your afternoon in the village where you’ll find ample dining options to enjoy the local cuisine, including my personal favorite, Taps de Cadaqués. Don’t miss Salvador Dalí’s house, now a museum, which offers a deep dive into the artist’s eccentric life.  Take the time to wander through the town. Every corner of Cadaqués is beautifully picturesque and worth discovering. 

Day 2: Palafrugell 

Dedicate your day to exploring Palafrugell, a town renowned not only for its spectacular coves but also for its beautiful white architecture and delicious dining options. Take a stroll along the Camino de Ronda to discover hidden beaches and cliffs, offering perfect opportunities for a leisurely walk or sunbathing amidst breathtaking coastal scenery.

My personal recommendation is to walk the trail leading to Platja del Golfet. Having walked the majority of the Camino de Ronda, I find the path from Palafrugell to this beach captures the essence of Costa Brava’s stunning coastline. The route features hidden gates set in the rocks, cliffs perfect for jumping, sun-warmed stones ideal for basking, and spots great for snorkeling, leading you to a spectacular beach where green and blue waters meet. 

Day 3: Peratallada and Cala Sa Tuna

Begin your morning in Peratallada, a medieval village that feels like a little slice of Italy right here in Spain. Although it’s quite small, the visit is absolutely worth it because of its charming stone buildings and lovely narrow streets that seem to whisk you back in time.

Later in the day, make your way to the peaceful Cala Sa Tuna. This beautiful cove is not just perfect for relaxing, but it’s also great for some fun activities. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards, grab a beach chair, or take a stroll along the marked trail that leads to a vantage point. From there, you get the best views of the village across the water, making it a perfect spot for taking photos. The path is clearly marked, so you won’t have any trouble finding your way.

Day 4: Tossa de Mar and Cala Pola

Before heading back to Barcelona, consider taking the scenic coastal road to Tossa de Mar, even though it’s a longer route. The drive along the coast offers breathtaking Mediterranean views and, while your GPS might suggest a more inland route, you can set it to take you along the coast. Be prepared for a winding journey, as the road has many curves which might be a bit dizzying but are definitely worth it for the stunning scenery.

Before arriving in Tossa de Mar, I highly recommend stopping at Cala Pola, one of the best coves on the Costa Brava, perfect for snorkeling thanks to its clear waters and abundant marine life. Once in Tossa de Mar, make sure to visit the castle, which not only offers historical insight but also provides beautiful views of the town and sea. Strolling through the town’s streets, you’ll find countless charming shops perfect for browsing local crafts and souvenirs. Behind the castle, there’s also a lovely cove but be aware that it can become quite crowded depending on the time of day. Planning your visit early in the morning or later in the evening may help you avoid the largest crowds.

Additional tips: 

Transportation: While public transport in Costa Brava is reliable, the connectivity between beaches can be limited, making it challenging if you plan to visit more than two places per day. Renting a car can provide greater flexibility and allow you to explore more secluded areas that are not easily accessible by bus.

Exploring the Camino de Ronda: I highly recommend exploring the Camino de Ronda, a coastal path that stretches along the entire Costa Brava. This path offers access to hidden gems and stunning sights that are otherwise inaccessible. It’s perfect for discovering secluded coves and breathtaking scenic spots along the coastline.

Exploring Further If you’re curious to discover more hidden gems along Costa Brava, feel free to check out my personalized list on Google Maps. It’s filled with additional spots that I’ve found to be particularly enchanting during my travels in the region.